In 1530, an outline of Luther’s doctrines was published called the Confession of Augsburg. These beliefs spread and many princes and their populations supported Luther. These people came to be known as Lutherans and their belief as Lutheranism. As they were ‘protesting’ against the Catholic Church the Lutherans were also known as Protestants. Martin Luther died suddenly in 1546, just months before the states of Germany broke into warfare. It was not until 1555 that a peace deal was agreed called the Peace of Augsburg. This tolerated both Catholics and Lutherans within the Holy Roman Empire and permitted each ruler to decide which denomination (different churches within the Christian religion) their populations were to follow. This resulted in many Lutherans and Catholics having to leave their homes and move to Lutheran or Catholic states.
Source D
u The following is a quotation from the speech Luther made at the Diet of Worms. Read the passage and answer the questions below.
Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe.
Looking at the evidence
1. What is the only way that Luther will accept his conviction? 2. Whose authority does he not accept? 3. Why can Luther not recant anything? 4. From your studies, do you think Martin Luther was committed to his beliefs? Give reasons for your answer.